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Sat 14 Nov, 2009 11:26 pm
Quote:
US Soldier: ‘There’s No Way I’m Going to Deploy to Afghanistan’
by Dahr Jamail, May 27, 2009
MARFA, Texas " "It’s a matter of what I’m willing to live with," Specialist Victor Agosto of the U.S. Army, who is refusing orders to deploy to Afghanistan, explained to IPS. "I’m not willing to participate in this occupation, knowing it is completely wrong."
...
"I never had any traumatic experiences, never fired my weapon," Agosto told IPS in a phone interview. "I mostly worked in information technology, working on computers and keeping the network functioning well. But it was in Iraq that I turned against the occupations. Through my reading, and watching what was going on, I started to feel very guilty."
Agosto added, "What I did there, I know I contributed to death and human suffering. It’s hard to quantify how much I caused, but I know I contributed to it."
http://original.antiwar.com/jamail/2009/05/26/us-soldier-theres-no-way-im-going-to-deploy-to-afghanistan/
@JTT,
Well, he's a man with a conscience anyway.
What puzzles me here is the service is voluntary. If he is deadset against going, why did he enlist?
@Mame,
Considering how the phrase is normally used, I guess you're right, Mame.
@edgarblythe,
my guess is the cash...
he played the odds and lost.
the radio is full of promises of college and money if you enlist.
@edgarblythe,
There actually were some duped by the lies of the US government, Edgar.
@Mame,
Quote:Well, he's a man with a conscience anyway.
How do you know ? He might be sick of the restricted life overseas, and only wants to serve where it is comfortable.
@Ionus,
This might be one right now.
@edgarblythe,
What? You've never bought something only to find out it comes at a higher price?
T
K
O
@Diest TKO,
Quote:What? You've never bought something only to find out it comes at a higher price?
DTKO, I dont know what marriage has to do with all this....
He took an oath, he gave his word, and now he wants to disobey a direct order?
Courtmartial him, then lock him away in Ft Leavenworth for the rest of his life.
Or just shoot him.
@mysteryman,
Leavenworth or shoot him...well...Leavenworth IS very expensive...
Oh, they can make him go, though I'm not sure, if I was his new commander, if I'd want him near all that expensive and complicated computer net equipment.
He can refuse and be prosecuted under the UCMJ, lose all of his rank, be put on "If it doesn't move, paint it." patrol for the remainder of his enlistment and then receive a dishonorable discharge.
I knew several people in the USAF who, in 1969-1970, decided that they could not support their country's position on Viet Nam. They had all voluntarily enlisted, been through basic and through schools of one sort or another (some code-work, some language/intelligence, some weapons maintenance). All of them, to my knowledge, got moved into some incredibly crumby job at the lowest pay grade possible for the duration. (one was sent to Fairchild AFB and spent two years weather-proofing telephone poles eight to ten hours a day.)
Joe(I don't know how they handle such cases now.)Nation
@mysteryman,
One doesn't have to obey orders that are crimes and the illegal invasion of Afghanistan is just that. An invasion to support American business interests.
It's been repeated so many times I don't know how someone, even someone as thick as you can't see it.
@Joe Nation,
Fine examples of "military intelligence", Joe.
@mysteryman,
mysteryman wrote:
He took an oath, he gave his word, and now he wants to disobey a direct order?
Courtmartial him, then lock him away in Ft Leavenworth for the rest of his life.
Or just shoot him.
I don't know if this answer is just a notch or two on the cheeky spectrum or not ... but I say court martial him then give him a dishonorable discharge. That'll be suitable enough punishment.
@tsarstepan,
You get a few honest Americans and all you want to do is punish them. He should be given a medal.
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